Recommends that teachers concentrate on explaining explicit procedures for revising style, because many novice writers interpret revision as only proofreading for typing or spelling errors. Provides a set of guidelines for stylistic revision that help students identify problems with passive verbs, nominalizations, wordiness and imprecise language.…

Defines elucidation as writing to teach and inform "all" about a complex sequence or process so that even a novice can complete the process without problems. Provides a model for writing description/instruction, using elucidation in the introduction, conclusion, and body of the essay. (HTH)

Describes a comparison of the function of audience in students' writing processes with that of experienced technical writers. Examines students' rough and final drafts for content and style as audience considerations influenced revisions. (HTH)

Describes an editing assignment in which senior engineering students use their knowledge of non-finite clauses (both restrictive and non-restrictive) to achieve concise mature writing. Explains the linguistic background provided to students before the assignment, gives details of the published "answer guide" and the exercise, and…

Describes a technical writing exercise used in the writing assistance program of a school of engineering. The exercise involves comparison of an original and rewritten memo to illustrate poor technical writing and how it differs from its better-organized and better-developed counterpart. (HTH)

Advocates emphasizing the reader-writer relationship and the context of editor to facilitate the objectivity and distance technical writing students need to revise effectively. Suggests providing technical writing students with an opportunity to work with others writing in an editorial capacity to help them better understand this relationship.…

Describes current indexing systems, documents the shift from manual to automated indexing methods, and offers suggestions for writers and editors on the critical importance of careful wording and controlled vocabularies to ensure effective access to technical and scientific articles. Suggests teaching strategies for helping students control…

In addition to citing bibliographies, books, and reviews on technical writing materials, this bibliography lists materials on the profession; theory and philosophy; courses, programs, and internships; research; teaching; consulting, training, in-house courses; writing professional documents; technical writing and computers; graphics/visual aids;…

Argues in favor of a specific component in technical writing courses devoted to the explanation, demonstration, and analysis of the reading comprehension process. Includes classroom activities for teaching this information, for working on writing problems relevant to ease of reading, and for analyzing writing problems in light of the reading…

Describes a method for using the press release to introduce basic technical writing principles and increase students' writing confidence. Includes lecture format and writing assignment. (HTH)

Argues that literature can be valuable in the technical writing class, focusing students' attention by: (1) providing useful models for students; and (2) allowing students to see how language operates in representations of particular organizations or cultures. (MG)

Points out that students can be motivated to improve their writing if writing assignments can be designed to be similar in scope and purpose to those that the students will be doing later in their professions. (EL)

Argues that comparing standard English usage to systems of standardization students are familiar with from their technical training forces technical writing students to understand the need for consistent signaling in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and other language conventions. Includes an example from early American literature written in…